From Blueprint to Final Test: Why Builders and Property Managers Count on Metropolitan Fire Protection

From Blueprint to Final Test: Why Builders and Property Managers Count on Metropolitan Fire Protection

When it comes to fire protection, there’s no room for uncertainty. Builders, developers, and property managers need a partner who can take projects from initial planning to final inspection without the headaches. That’s where Metropolitan Fire Protection comes in.

A True Turnkey Fire Protection Partner

At Metropolitan Fire Protection, we specialize in end-to-end fire protection solutions. That means we’re with you from the moment the blueprint hits the table to the day your system passes inspection and beyond. Our turnkey services cover:

  • System Design – Customized to meet the unique demands of each property
  • Installation – Seamlessly integrated into your construction schedule
  • Inspection & Testing – Ensuring code compliance and system reliability
  • Ongoing Service & Maintenance – Long after the build is complete

This all-in-one approach makes MetroFP the go-to resource for general contractors and property managers who need the job done right—the first time.

Built for Builders, Trusted by Property Managers

We understand the challenges of fast-paced construction timelines and the long-term responsibilities of building ownership. That’s why Metropolitan Fire Protection’s team is structured to support:

  • General Contractors – Streamlining coordination across multiple trades and keeping projects on track
  • Developers – Providing peace of mind that fire protection is fully covered from the start
  • Property Managers – Offering reliable, ongoing service and emergency support

Whether it’s a new build, retrofit, or ongoing system maintenance, we tailor our services to fit your timeline and your property’s unique needs.

Fire Protection That Scales With You

From commercial buildings and apartment complexes to mixed-use developments and more, Metropolitan Fire Protection has the experience and capacity to support projects of all sizes throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana.

Let’s Get to Work

Ready to partner with a fire protection team that delivers from start to finish? Contact Metropolitan Fire Protection today to learn more about how we can support your next project.

Common Misconceptions About Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems — Answered

Common Misconceptions About Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems — Answered

When it comes to protecting your home and family, residential fire sprinklers are one of the most effective tools available. Yet, misconceptions and myths often keep homeowners from taking advantage of this life-saving technology. At Metropolitan Fire Protection, we hear these questions all the time — and we’re here to set the record straight.

Q: Will every sprinkler head go off if there’s a fire?
 A: No. Only the sprinkler nearest the fire will activate — not the whole system. This limits water damage while stopping the fire fast.

Q: Do sprinklers cause more damage than the fire itself?
 A: No. A sprinkler uses much less water than a firefighter’s hose and controls the fire early, preventing widespread damage.

Q: Are home sprinklers too expensive to install?
 A: In new construction, home sprinklers typically cost about the same as a granite countertop — and they protect what matters most: your family.

Q: Will cooking or smoke set them off?
 A: No. Fire sprinklers are heat-activated. They won’t go off from smoke, cooking mishaps, or burnt toast.

Protect Your Home with Facts, Not Myths
If you’re building a new home or considering retrofitting your current one, residential fire sprinklers are a proven way to save lives and property.

Ready to learn more? Contact the experts at Metropolitan Fire Protection today.

Project Spotlight: Design-Build Success in Mundelein, IL

Project Spotlight: Design-Build Success in Mundelein, IL

Station 250
250 Plaza Circle
Mundelein, Illinois

Metropolitan Fire Protection recently wrapped up a major design-build project in Mundelein, Illinois—delivering a full wet pipe sprinkler system for a new multi-family development. Working directly with the developer, we completed the project on time and on budget, just the way we like it.

The building is an impressive 190,000 square feet, with 150 residential units spread across four stories, and includes ground-floor parking. MFP installed over 2,000 sprinkler heads and multiple standpipes, all in compliance with NFPA-13 and 13R standards to ensure top-tier fire protection throughout the entire facility.

A special shoutout to our Foreman, Craig Jensen, who once again led the field team with professionalism and skill. His commitment to quality and attention to detail played a big part in the project’s smooth execution.

Stay tuned for more updates from the field—and if you’re looking for a partner who delivers results, you know who to call.

Metropolitan’s Core Values

Metropolitan’s Core Values

At Metropolitan Fire Protection, our core values influence everything we do. Our mission is to earn our customer’s trust on every job by delivering exceptional workmanship, quality, and service. By embodying our values every day, we bring experts in the field to every project so you can rest easy knowing our team has everything covered.

People

A company and its work are only as good as its people. At Metropolitan, we value our employees’ skills and experience and encourage them to learn and grow. We are incredibly lucky to have had many apprentices start their career with us and stay with the company. We make every effort to assign the very best people for each job. This means you can trust our team has the right expertise for your project.

Professionalism

There’s a difference between getting the job done and doing it right. No matter how long it takes or how tricky the job is, our team doesn’t stop until everything meets our highest standards. We demand professionalism from every person associated with our company. This means they are dependable and hard working, pay attention to the details, and see to it that every customer is satisfied.

Pride

We hire people who are proud of what they do and pleased to be a part of our company. Our team wears their Metropolitan pride on their sleeve and are proud to drive our trucks on the road. When a customer sees a Metropolitan truck roll up to their jobsite, they know they will be working with a determined bunch that will work hard and exceed their expectations.

Experience our values in action – connect with us and see the difference they make.

The History Behind Our Trucks

What sets Metropolitan Fire Protection apart from other companies isn’t just our quality service and dedicated team, it’s also our trucks! You may have seen our iconic gold trucks on the road before, but have you ever wondered what inspired our fleet? We’re taking a deep dive into our Metropolitan history to show where our trucks came from and where we’re hoping to take the fleet in the future.

The first Metropolitan truck was purchased in 1992, the very first day we opened our doors. Executive Vice President, Brian Ferguson, remembers, “We wanted our vehicles to stand out on the road and be the most professional work vans in the industry.” Creating the current design took lots of trial and error, with almost a dozen different designs. “We found an old vintage gold color and loved it so much, we based our truck design and new logo around it!” Brian says.

As Metropolitan’s success grew, so did the fleet, with over 30 vehicles on the road every day. Our success stems directly from our happy clients, and we are excited to bring superior protection to every job site. Brian says, “We are proud of our brand! We are also proud of the Local 281 Sprinkler Fitters that drive them every day. We believe that when a Metropolitan Truck pulls onto any jobsite that we stand out and our clients see that as well.” Brian believes the future looks bright for the company and is excited to add more trucks to the fleet in the future. “Hopefully there will be another 30 vehicles on the road in 2050!” he says.

If you see one of our trucks on the road, be sure to give us a honk or give us a call to let us know! “We receive many calls throughout the year from potential clients seeing our vans on the road and we LOVE it!” Brian says.

Ready to experience the Metropolitan difference for yourself? Contact us today to schedule your fire sprinkler installation!

Metropolitan Apprentice Life: Four Stories from Our Growing Team

Here at Metropolitan Fire Protection, we are always striving to improve our services and grow as professionals, and our apprentices are the perfect example of hard work and dedication to excellence. We sat down with four of our apprentices, Joe Kim, Sam Fritts, Joe Rita, and John Schergen to learn about their journey with Metropolitan and what drew them to fire safety as a profession.

Joe Kim

Joe Kim began his apprenticeship with Metropolitan in 2023 and has already gained lots of expertise in fire protection systems. Joe loves when a job is challenging because it teaches him something new. With his mentor’s guidance, Joe believes he’s grown as a pipefitter due to their expertise and helpful nature. “All of my mentors have been amazing and have taught me how to work more efficiently and most importantly how to be safe,” Joe said.

Sam Fritts

Beginning his apprenticeship in 2022, Sam has taken a basic knowledge of sprinkler fittings to a whole new level with Metropolitan. Even when projects get tough, Sam knows he can rely on his Metropolitan mentors for advice and guidance on the job. I have learned so very much since I came to metropolitan, and I have got to work with a lot of very knowledgeable professionals that I feel completely comfortable asking to stop and walk me through something,” Sam said.

Joe Rita

Joe began his apprenticeship in May 2023 and is eager to learn more. His dedication to learning the craft goes above and beyond, arriving at every jobsite early and asking as many questions as he needs to do his job perfectly. “My mentors have been a huge help in my development as an apprentice and I’m grateful to work with such hardworking people,” Joe said.

John Schergen

John has been an apprentice since May 2023 and tries to soak up as much knowledge from his mentors whenever he can. “My mentors at metropolitan have always been helpful with answering questions and concerns I have, while being patient and letting me make mistakes and learn from them,” John said. Throughout his apprenticeship, he’s learned how to quickly adapt to new challenges and is excited for new learning opportunities!

We are so proud to have these talented individuals on our team! To learn more about the people behind our projects, follow our social media.

Warning Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Professional Attention

While managing a building comes with countless responsibilities, your fire sprinkler system shouldn’t be overlooked. Though these life-saving systems are designed to be reliable, they require regular attention to remain code-compliant and effective. Simply having sprinklers installed isn’t enough – they need proper maintenance to meet NFPA regulations and fire safety standards. Knowing the early warning signs of system issues can help ensure your building stays protected around the clock. Here are the critical indicators that your sprinkler system needs professional attention:

1. Visible Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion in your sprinkler system can be an expensive fix, so take care to do a visual inspection for signs. Corrosion can either be easily spotted or well hidden, so make sure to inspect the joints and elbows thoroughly for any rough texture, orange-brown coloring, or pinhole leaks. To find any corrosion inside your sprinkler pipes, our team can conduct a full inspection to diagnose any hidden corrosion and eliminate any threats.

2. Reading Your Pressure Gauges
They say numbers don’t lie, and that is especially true when it comes to the pressure gauges on your sprinkler system. A fire sprinkler system is always ready which means your gauges are almost permanently under pressure. This is why it is crucial to monitor your pressure gauges and watch for fluctuating pressure readings or different readings between gauges.

3. Concerning Noises
Even if it visually seems like nothing is broken, a strange sound can indicate problems are lurking. Listen for rattling, hissing, or any other noises out of the norm; these sounds could mean that there are loose connections, backflow issues, partial obstructions, or something even more serious.

If you notice any of these issues with your fire sprinkler system, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with us! Our team is Local 281 Certified and can offer a wide range of services to fit your needs. If you have an emergency, Metropolitan Fire Protection has a 24/7 Emergency service ready to respond. Call us anytime for immediate assistance.

Frozen Pipe Emergency? We’ve Got You Covered

‘Tis the season… for frozen pipes! While this time of year brings festive celebrations and cherished memories, it also comes with its fair share of challenges—like the risk of frozen sprinklers wreaking havoc on your property. When temperatures drop and adequate heat is not provided, pipes can freeze, burst, and cause significant water damage to your belongings or facility.

At Metropolitan Fire Protection, we know emergencies don’t wait for convenient times to happen. That’s why our team is on standby 24/7, ready to spring into action whenever you need us. Whether it’s the middle of the night, a weekend, or a holiday, we’re here to provide fast, effective solutions to protect your property and give you peace of mind.

When a bank on Chicago’s North Side faced an unexpected burst pipe last week during our first cold snap, they knew exactly who to call. Our team arrived promptly, not only addressing the immediate issue but also conducting a thorough inspection to identify and repair vulnerabilities before they caused further damage. This proactive approach saved the bank time, money, and additional headaches.

It’s this level of service that sets us apart. We don’t just fix the problem in front of us; we go the extra mile to ensure your facility is set up for long-term success.

If disaster strikes, remember—we’re just a phone call away. With 24/7 emergency service and a dedicated team of professionals, Metropolitan Fire Protection is your partner in winter preparedness.

Let us help you keep your property safe and secure this season. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an inspection before the temperatures drop even further!

Where Engineering Meets Excellence

Behind the Scenes with Nicholas Schaaf at Metropolitan Fire Protection

Every great installation starts with a great design and at Metropolitan Fire Protection, design and engineering is where the magic happens. For Nicholas Schaaf, a NICET Certified Fire Sprinkler Systems Designer, a great design masterfully balances code integrity with exceeding client expectations.

With 12 years of experience, Nicholas has built an impressive portfolio that spans diverse projects, including commercial spaces like the Den Theatre and Skokie Hospital, as well as numerous private homes on the North Shore. This breadth of experience equips him to design and engineer fire sprinkler systems for any space, no matter the challenges. As Nicholas puts it, “My job is to find solutions based on what’s available and turn a difficult concept or idea into a simpler one by designing an easy-to-understand plan for anyone to use.”

Because no application looks the same, Nicholas always starts with extensive research before beginning his design. “Each project is so different so I have to gather as much information as possible to manage and creatively solve design problems,” Nicholas says. He also strives to stay up to date on any changing regulations or new fire suppression technology to provide the highest level of service to his clients. “I am always reviewing the latest NFPA, IBC, and local codes pertaining to the project location, taking refresher training courses throughout the year, and coordinating with construction teams to meet the latest criteria for an accurate and complete system design,”
Nicholas says.

Not only is a great design efficient, it is also full of collaboration. When Nicholas creates a design, he always keeps his fitter and installation teams in mind so the plan can be executed perfectly. He says, “However practicable, I strive to make every project as easy as possible for our fitter to visualize and understand what needs to be done. When the plan reaches a job site, it should be accurate and useful for reference, being quick to read and effective for answering foremen or other tradesmen questions.”

Nicholas takes the most pride in projects where he can tackle complex challenges and transform them into clear, straightforward solutions. “When I can draw details (sketches) of system components like a riser or fire pump room, I’m very satisfied with a chance to clearly communicate and teach about the most complicated parts of a design,” Nicholas says. “Each of these projects have a completely different dynamic and design which rewarded me with a lot of teamwork and challenged me to produce some of the most necessary drawings and plans of my time.”

For expert-designed fire sprinkler systems, Metropolitan Fire Protection is the team to call. Get in touch with our team by calling 847-758-9820.

Meet Our Fire Alarm Leaders!

We have some exciting new arrivals to the Metropolitan Fire Protection family!
Dave Johnson and Marina Rossini, our new Senior Project Managers will be leading our brand new Fire Alarm division! Dave and Marina bring to Metropolitan Fire Protection over 50 combined years of experience in the Fire Alarm world and will be handling the estimating, sales, and project management of all projects.

Dave has been a member of Local 134 for 32 years. Being a former electrical contractor business owner himself, Dave knows all aspects of the business when it comes to Electrical and Fire Alarm. Dave prides himself in customer service and strives to do whatever it takes to get the job done the right way for his clients!

Marina has worked in fire protection since 2004, and has specialized in fire alarms for the past 15 years. Customer service is one of Marina’s top priorities, making her an ideal fit at MFP. She lives by the quote, “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you is your trademark.” Marina ensures that her clients’ needs are met from start to finish, providing them with confidence in MFP’s services.

We are thrilled to welcome Dave and Marina to our team as we launch our new fire alarm division. Their extensive experiences and go-getter attitudes make them both valuable assets, and we look forward to their contributions. Please join us in welcoming Dave and Marina to MFP!